TOON fans who walked out at half-time to miss their side’s amazing comeback against Arsenal have told of their misery.

The match has been hailed one of the greatest Premier League games ever after the Magpies came back from 4-0 down.

But with the home side trailing by four goals at half-time, hundreds of home fans made for the exit – missing the dramatic action as Newcastle clawed the game back to 4-4.

Martin Lindsay and Josh Tulip, 20, were among those who left the ground in disgust.

They went to the pub to drown their sorrows – then watched TV reports in disbelief as United got back into the game.

Martin, 21, said: “I have watched Newcastle all my life and this is the first time I have left early.

“But the first half performance was so inept I couldn’t stand any more.”

After falling 4-0 behind to an impressive Arsenal side Newcastle had looked a beaten team.

But after Abou Diaby was sent off for Arsenal the home team rallied and clawed their way back to draw the game.

Two penalties from Joey Barton, a goal from striker Lean Best and a long-range screamer from Cheick Tiote ensured a point for the Mapgies.

Toon legend Alan Shearer hailed the game as the best he’d ever seen.

It was the first time in Premier League history a side has come back from four goals down to draw.

Martin, 20, added: “We were pleased when the first one went in, then another.

“And then we got a third. We were delighted when we drew level – but also sick we had missed it.”

To make matters worse Martin’s brother and his mates, who had stayed at the game, came into the pub afterwards – and spent the rest of the evening taunting the unlucky pair.

Journalism graduate Martin said: “We’ll never live this down. It was the best comeback and we missed it.

“If we watch Newcastle for the rest of our lives we’ll probably never see another game like it.

“It just goes to show you should never leave a game early. We certainly won’t do it again.”

Dave Turner, 27, who also left at half time, said: “I went home and then shopping with my mum.

“When we got in the car I put the radio on I couldn’t believe it was 3-4. And then minutes later Cheik Tiote equalised – with me wishing I was back in the ground.”

Manager Alan Pardew thanked the fans who stayed for the full 90 minutes. He said: “The second half showed what a force we can be at this club when you put people under pressure, get tight, and get 51,000 Geordies back on your side.”